Every week since Bill Kelly’s Truth Squad began, we have savaged politicians with parody and satire. We have given hypocrisy a once-over with a jab of humor and a uppercut of sarcasm. Sometimes though a subject is so serious that even we need to take a step back and let the story tell itself. This is one of those times.

This week, a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll revealed that nearly 70 percent of all Americans oppose the controversial plan to build a mega mosque just blocks away from the solemn World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan while just 29 percent favor the construction. There are serious questions about the mosque, its source of overseas funding, and the controversial statements of its leader, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. Critics have suggested it is more than a mosque – it is a victory mosque; a mosque built as a monument of conquest on the ashes of the 3,000 people who died that terrible day.

Despite public opinion, the mainstream media has virtually ignored the protests against the WTC mosque. According to internet reports, not one major TV network or camera crew covered this recent protest (see photos below). The protest was a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance who rallied at the site of the World Trade Center attack. Uncredited photos of the New York protests have surfaced, bypassing the mainstream media’s unbalanced reporting and have since caused a stir on the Internet. Few words are necessary. The photos of this mystery photographer speak louder than any words ever could.

9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslim extremists.

Is the mosque 9/11 all over again? Protesters ask.

A study in political hypocrisy. When it comes to 9/11 why is it OK for the establishment political culture, the mainstream media, and so many on the Left to disrespect 9/11 families, New Yorkers, and Americans in general?

Protestors ask: Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?

Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner. The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. Protestors say that America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits.

Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally: “It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America ‘s memory. I want America to remember.”

Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage.

Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. “Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity.It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey , the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel . Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.” (Pamela Geller)

Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park.

Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.

These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters.

9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslim extremists.

About

Hi, I’m Denise a happily married mother of two daughters away at college. I am fortunate not to have to work away from my home, so I keep busy with various hobbies during my day. One of those is reading and watching several news sources. I love history and the news. Many items you will see here are articles or photos worthy of a second look. Thanks.